Falcons list Michael Penix as full practice participant

The Falcons have already ruled quarterback Michael Penix out for this week's game against the Steelers , but he is taking part in practice with the team.

Penix was listed as a full participant on the team's first practice report of the 2026 season. Penix returned to full team work in late August and called himself " really close " to being 100 percent recovered from last year's torn ACL earlier this week, but doesn't want to play until "there's no doubt in my mind that I trust my knee."

Tua Tagovailoa will start against Pittsburgh with Cooper Rush serving as the backup quarterback.

Wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring), offensive lineman Kyle Hinton (knee), cornerback Billy Bowman (Achilles), defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus (groin), and defensive end Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) were listed as limited participants for Atlanta .